This is a 21st-century 'take' on a Soho pub, with four large copper tanks of Pilsner Urquell (freighted in airtight bags from Pilsen every week) in full view and a wide variety of international bottled beers (including one Chinese only!). The drinks offering includes "beer cocktails". Prices reflect the central location. In spite of ales being mentioned on the venue website, it is now reported that no cask ales are available here.
The footprint is limited and it can get very crowded, but service is prompt and efficient in contrast with some other Soho pubs. The owner has an impeccable record, with Michelin-starred restaurants under his belt. Up the spiral staircase is the Chinese restaurant about which a well-known national restaurant critic wrote, a few days after its opening: "Everything I have ever wanted from a restaurant or from life itself. Thank you, God".
Listed in the Estrella Damm top 100 gastropub awards 2022.
Duck & Rice, London